Conor O'Shea says Quins' play-off hopes are on the line

Conor O'Shea believes losing at Newcastle could mean Harlequins missing out on the play-offs but he is backing his injury-hit side to get the job done this evening.

Although Quins are seventh in the table, they are just one point off fourth and the director of rugby has impressed on the squad the need to get a result at Kingston Park.

He said: "We are a bit stretched at the moment but we have the players to win tonight. I have told them that if we can win this key match then we'll have a say in our aim of finishing in the top four. A defeat will mean relying on others to help us mathematically."

Fly-half Nick Evans is sidelined for six weeks after breaking his hand and injury has also accounted for forwards Tom Guest and George Robson and scrum-half Karl Dickson.

Due to their England commitments, Nick Easter and Danny Care will also miss the Aviva Premiership match.

Wales No8 Andy Powell is set to sign a new contract with London Wasps, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2013. Powell, 29, said: "I'm happy here and, hopefully, will put pen to paper."

Saracens today put in their planning application to Barnet Council to transform Copthall Stadium into a 10,000-capacity multi-purpose community sports venue.